Free flap monitoring using a microcomputer linked to a laser Doppler flowmeter.

The problems of free flap monitoring using the Periflux PF108D laser Doppler flowmeter (PLDF) are discussed, as are the indices of flap perfusion that the laser Doppler flowmeter can provide. The use of a microcomputer linked to a laser Doppler flowmeter by a suitable interface and using an appropriate monitoring program is described together with details of the system and program. It is suggested that linkage with a microcomputer offers a relatively simple, low cost method of improving the ease and reliability of free flap monitoring with the laser Doppler flowmeter.